We often talk about how Thrive! helps Leaders learn to set goals and face new challenges. One Leader, Chloe, has the goal of becoming the first woman in her immediate family to earn a four-year degree and becoming an English teacher. Here's an update on her progress.​Like many teens around mid-August, Chloe awoke, ate breakfast, got dressed, and took the first step in achieving her dream.

Chloe is amazed at what she’s accomplished in 18 weeks at Barton Community College. “I’m achieving in math class! That is not normally a class I do well in. I’m willing to admit that I am not good in math.”

World religion and personal finance were among her other first-semester courses. Pursuing a double major in psychology and English, Chloe found one course particularly interesting: Psychology of a Serial Killer.

“I took the class as it didn’t require any prerequisites. I’m learning a lot about how our brains work, our mental thought process and mental illness.” Chloe continues, “It’s interesting to understand the early signs of mental illness and what to notice.”

The transition to college life hasn’t been without a few challenges. “Transportation is my biggest challenge since we’ve been without a working vehicle since July. I’m relying on friends to provide a ride or neighbors who let my dad borrow their car.”

Another challenge is time management. Everything [assignments and textbooks] is online. "I struggle with the discipline to get online,” she shares. “I designed this [notebook]. I write down everything that is due or must be done for each class. I can easily see everything on one page.” Perhaps the most difficult challenge was starting school without her mom. “I lost my mom about 10 days before school started. Guess it’s better to have a schedule and keep occupied than worry about what might have been.”

During the difficult months, Chloe leaned on her Thrive! Ally. “She helped me evaluate community colleges and guide me through the registration process.” Chloe is grateful for her Ally’s mentoring. She’s also thankful for her dad’s military service, which makes her eligible for scholarships.

Chloe is on track for another semester and plans to transfer to a university after two years. Ultimately, she’d like “to give back to my family and community. Return to my hometown in Georgia and teach English.” We are proud of Chloe's progress!